1 Dead When Car Plows Into Crowd After White Nationalist Protest In Virginia

Listen to the Story

Update Required
To play the media you will need to update your browser to a recent version.

Almost 20 people were injured and one person has died after a car plowed into a group marching peacefully, following violent clashes at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va., according to The Associated Press.

In video posted to Twitter, a silver car with darkened windows can be seen speeding through the crowd and ramming another vehicle, sending people through the air. The car then goes into reverse while marchers chase it.

Police said the crash happened near the intersection of Fourth and Water streets.

Photos and video show multiple people being treated for injuries, and police can be seen securing the scene of the wreck.

The crash involved three cars and, in addition to the fatality, at least 19 people were injured, according to the AP.

President Trump makes statement

In a statement sandwiched between announcing and signing legislation to expand a veterans health care program, the president said he condemned "in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry, and violence on many sides."

"We have to respect each other, ideally we have to love each other," he said.

State of emergency declared

Virginia's governor had earlier declared a state of emergency involving violent clashes involving hundreds of protesters in Charlottesville.

The move came during a white nationalist rally planned in the small college town to protest plans to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from a city park. On Saturday morning, protesters and counterprotesters faced off, kicking, punching, hurling water bottles at and deploying chemical sprays against one another.

Approximately 500 protesters were on-site, with more than double the amount of counterprotesters, according to reporter Sandy Hausman of member station WVTF and Radio IQ. She said some injuries had been reported.

Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, before offering protesters the option of being arrested or moving to another larger location approximately 1 mile away, she told NPR's Scott Simon on Weekend Edition on Saturday.

The declaration by Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe was made in order to "aid state response to violence" at the rally in the city about 120 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., and home to the University of Virginia. The city's manager also declared a local emergency and police ordered people to disperse from the area around the statue, according to the AP.

The "Unite the Right" rally was expected to draw a lot of people from out of town. It follows last month's Ku Klux Klan rally, also in Charlottesville, that drew about 50 Klan members and about 1,000 counterprotesters.

Politicians react to Saturday morning's clashes

After the violent outbursts, politicians tweeted their disdain at the events in Charlottesville. Trump called on Americans to "come together as one."

House Speaker Paul Ryan called the views of the white nationalists "repugnant," and called for Americans to unite against "this kind of vile bigotry."

First lady Melania Trump called for people to "communicate (without) hate in our hearts."

NHL team logo used during white nationalist protest

In an odd side story, many of the white nationalist marchers were seen holding signs featuring the logo of the Detroit Red Wings, a historic hockey franchise in the NHL.

An anti-immigrant group called the Detroit Right Wings features a similar logo. A Twitter account that seemed to represent the group tweeted earlier in the week about attending Saturday's rally.

As images of marchers flaunting the logo began flooding social media, the team issued a swift statement in response.

"The Detroit Red Wings vehemently disagree with and are not associated in any way with the even taking place today in Charlottesville," the team said. "We are exploring every possible legal action as it pertains to the misuse of our logo in this disturbing demonstration."

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly added in an email to the AP, "This specific use is particularly offensive because it runs counter to the inclusiveness that out league values and champions."

Friday night protests become violent

The clashes began Friday night, when far-right protesters carrying torches descended on the university campus.

In a Facebook post about that march, Mayor Signer wrote, "I am beyond disgusted by this unsanctioned and despicable display of visual intimidation on a college campus."

In the days leading up to Saturday's planned rally, there had been some back-and-forth about where it would be held.

The AP reported that a federal judge ordered Charlottesville to allow the rally to take place at its originally planned location downtown:

"Late Friday night, several hundred torch-bearing men and women marched on the main quadrangle of the University of Virginia's grounds, shouting, 'You will not replace us,' and 'Jew will not replace us.' They walked around the Rotunda, the university's signature building, and to a statue of Thomas Jefferson, where a group of counterprotesters were gathered, and a brawl ensued."

"As President of the University of Virginia, I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the hateful behavior displayed by torch-bearing protestors that marched on our Grounds this evening. I strongly condemn the unprovoked assault on members of our community, including University personnel who were attempting to maintain order.

"Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident, and it is my hope that any individuals responsible for criminal acts are held accountable. The violence displayed on Grounds is intolerable and is entirely inconsistent with the University's values."

City officials and police say they are prepared for any violence. McAuliffe urged Virginians to stay away from the rally and placed the National Guard on standby. The guard released a statement saying it would "closely monitor the situation."

Earlier this week, All Things Considered host Ari Shapiro reported on Airbnb's decision to make it harder for people attending the rally to find places to stay. The company canceled the accounts of people that it confirmed had used its platform to book lodging for the event. It says those people defy its community standards. Rally organizers say this should be grounds for a lawsuit.

Debate over the Robert E. Lee statue in Charlottesville began when an African-American high school student started a petition more than a year ago to have it removed. Lee, who was born in Virginia, commanded Confederate forces in the Civil War from 1862 until he surrendered in 1865.

This is a developing story. Some things that get reported by the media will later turn out to be wrong. We will focus on reports from police officials and other authorities, credible news outlets and reporters who are at the scene. We will update as the situation develops.

Upcoming Events

Kansas Public Radio and Maceli’s are hosting their second Songwriters Showcase, featuring local musicians Colin Halliburton, Sky Smeed and Kelly Hunt.

Join us on Saturday, March 3, at Maceli's (1031 New Hampshire St). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Sky Smeed is a well-known local Americana singer-songwriter who has often been compared to Neil Young and Gram Parsons. Colin Halliburton, who often performs under the musical moniker The Roseline, describes his music as "alt-country bummer music, with a hint of hope." Accompanied by her 1920s tenor banjo, Kelly Hunt’s songs meld traditions of folk, blues, classic country, and old-time music for a sound that is all her own.

Tickets are $10 at the door and advance tickets are available for $10.50 at macelis.com. The musicians are generously donating their time and talent to the concert, and proceeds will benefit KPR. Beverages will be available for purchase at the event.

Description: Experience a rare journey through Celtic music in the hands of world-renowned piper Fred Morrison. In Kansas City for one evening only, Mr. Morrison, a native of West Scotland, possesses a repertoire rooted in the music of his father's native South Uist, in the outer Hebrides. Although his first-love instrument remains the great Highland bagpipes, over the years his mastery has expanded to encompass whistles, Scottish smallpipes and reelpipes, and Irish Uilleann pipes. All of this music is expertly woven into a musical adventure that reaches back centuries and forges links to Celtic cousins in Brittany and northwest Spain. Fred is joined by members of Kansas City's own award-winning St. Andrew Pipes & Drums for an unforgettable evening of music. Limited tickets are available so purchase in advance to assure your seat. Tickets may be available at the door. Submitted by: Zach Cochran Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes & Drums

Description: KU Natural History Museum & Free State Brewing Co., A Science on Tap Event: Early Life Experiences, Trauma, and Hope With Dr. Jackie Counts, Director of KU’s Center for Public Partnerships & Research Science on Tap Wednesday, February 21 7:30pm Free State Brewing Company Early life experiences may have long-lasting effects on individuals’ relationships and health. Dr. Jackie Counts, Director of KU’s Center for Public Partnerships & Research will lead a discussion about the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study. You will have an opportunity to learn your own ACE score and come away with tools to promote hope and resilience. More information at biodiversity.ku.edu. Submitted by: KU Biodiversity KU Natural History Museum